We asked homeowners on Martello Park if they were happy with their build and if they had experienced any issues which were similar to Mr Harris’.

We had many responses from homeowners who have bought a Persimmon property.

MIXED EXPERIENCES AT MARTELLO PARK

Many of those who contacted us said they were happy with their purchase.

Leanne Panton said: “We live in one of the firsts ones built; so about 4 years old now and we’ve had no problems at all. Absolutely fine.”

Barry Minshull also said he was happy with his purchase on the estate: “Very happy with our house any issues we may have had have been sorted within an acceptable time frame so we are very happy with our new build.”

Bridie Harrison also agreed: “We are very happy with our house in martello park. We have had no problems and nothing is too much if you ask someone to come give you a hand with something, and we have had the same people doing hobbles for us as well which have also been good work.”

However, one resident, who did not wish to be named, said Mr Harris’ experience was similar to hers.

The resident said: “They ignore emails and when you call. You leave messages but don’t get responses for weeks or months. I moved in December 2016 had over twenty faults.

“We had a leak in the bathroom that came through living room which ruined flooring. A carpenter put a nail through pipework when put on skirting boards. There was a faulty weld on pipes and fittings missing from the back of toilet which led to water coming all over bathroom floors gradually.

“Patio doors were not fixed correctly you could see outside through gaps. Drains were at 45 degree angles in the garden and above ground level. Wobbly slabs placed on exterior front and back. Cracks down walls to name the worst.

“I know neighbours in the same row have had many more issues too. For example, live electric cables dangling behind walls and not connected to sockets. Leaking showers etc.

“We have been in nearly two years and not all issues have been sorted. The site manager signed off the snagging list as complete even though it isn’t complete and we are not first he’s done this to.

“Persimmon customer care won’t answer emails or calls so have had to fork out money to sort issues ourselves or just live with the way it is.

“You have to look at the number of houses for sale on the estate that are not even three-years-old to know people are not happy. It’s disgraceful.

“I have heard of professional builders walking off-site as they are told they are too good at their work. They want speed not accuracy… complete shambles.”

PROBLEMS AT CLOVERFIELDS, MILFORD HAVEN

Persimmon has also come under scrutiny at their Cloverfields development in Milford Haven, where residents are disappointed by the lack of completion on the site.

An anonymous homeowner has told The Herald that the main road leading into the estate is still left unfinished despite living there for nearly five months.

Speaking to us, they said: “We were one of the last residents on the estate, purchasing our property back in June 2018, and yet the main road still remains unfinished.

“Five months later, the estate still resembles a building site, with building materials and metal fences still visible throughout the development yet there is no building work taking place.

“We were promised off-road parking, but we can’t use this as it is still blocked. Cars are parking anywhere they can which is causing massive issues and blocking some parts of the estate.”

Our source added that several attempts have been made to get a completion date for the outstanding work, however calls, emails and voicemails to the customer service team have not been answered.

When we presented these complaints to Persimmon Homes, a spokesperson said: “There has been a delay with finishing the roads and drainage at our Cloverfields development, which was in respect of ensuring the drainage works were passed by Welsh Water ahead of any surfacing works. We apologise for any inconvenience.

“We are pleased to report that a programme of works has been established with our groundworks contractor. Work is due to start at the end of November and finished by the Christmas break.”

Another controversy on the estate surrounds a play park, which has recently been boarded up.

Locals have been told that the park is inaccessible because of vandalism, but our source tells us that the ‘supposed vandalism’ is in fact just a broken swing.

They added: “There are rumours around the estate that the park has been boarded up in an attempt to remove it and take it to the However, Persimmon site in Pembroke to help them sell those houses.”

Persimmon said that they were in talks with Pembrokeshire County Council in regards to the play park in a statement to the Herald: “The play area at Cloverfields has been secured following a couple of instances of vandalism.

“There is currently a reluctance by Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt the play area. We are in discussions with the council about this and, when this happens, the park will be reopened and maintenance will fall within their remit.”

In response, Pembrokeshire County Council told us: “This play area is situated on a private housing estate.

“It is, therefore, the responsibility of the developer of the estate – not the local authority- to maintain the play area.”

Milford Haven: MP to visit flooding victims

STEPHEN CRABB MP has said he will be in Milford Haven on Friday (Nov 23) to visit the victims of the flooding in Lower Priory and Havens Head.

Locals who have been affected by the flooding – and those with concerns about the flooding repeating in the area – are being encouraged to voice their concerns to the local MP.

Mr Crabb’s office has said he will be arriving at 11am at Lower Priory.

Meanwhile, the Port of Milford Haven has hit back at claims from the flooded residents of Lower Priory and Havens Head that a blocked culvert was to blame.

Several people have come forward to say that something must be wrong with the drainage under the Havens Head Business Park, owned by the Port, for the flooding to have got so deep, and so quickly.

One of those people is Colin Laugharne from Milford Haven – a former employee of Milford Haven Docks Company until 15 years ago – who told The Herald that he used to be involved with maintaining the culvert over several years.

Mr Laugharne is certain that a blockage caused the flooding and that the Port was to blame.

He said: “Millions of pounds worth of damage has probably been caused by this flooding. If you go to the dock wall you can see that the water is just dribbling out. How can that be the case if it is working properly? If you look at the road in front of the library you will see water coming up and out of the drains, rather than going in. That is because the water can get as far as that point and then it has no other place to go.

“The blockage is therefore between the library and The Docks itself.”

But the Port said that water continues to flow freely through the culverts.

A press officer told The Herald on the telephone that the claim of a blockage was completely false.

A statement from the Interim Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven quickly followed.

Andy Jones said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with our neighbouring residents and businesses today as they deal with the devastating effects of significant flooding following the sustained bouts of extraordinary rainfall coupled with high tides.

“Since yesterday, our staff have been working collaboratively with multiple agencies, including the emergency services, to do everything possible to minimise the flooding impact.

“Our staff have been onsite throughout and we can confirm that the water continues to flow freely through the culverts which carry water from Hubberston and Goose Pills into Milford Docks. This is a system which we monitor and maintain on a regular basis.

“With regards to water levels in the dock itself, we are rapidly sluicing water out as soon as the tide allows.

Additionally, the emergency services have installed pumps to take water directly from flooded areas into the dock.
“It is important to note that lock gates are not able to resist the force of the incoming tide. We have no choice but to let the water flow into the dock as the tide comes in and close the lock gates at high tide.

“We will continue to work in collaboration with the emergency services as the situation develops. Further weather and flooding updates can be found on Pembrokeshire County Council’s website and social media channels.”

AN ADDICT of the highly addictive psychoactive drug ‘spice’ stole the collection money from a Milford Haven church whilst the vicar was celebrating his last meal with parishioners before moving away.

33-year-old Sam Maguire, originally from Birmingham, but now of Hawthorn Path, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, was charged with burglary following a report of a burglary at St. Katherine’s Church yesterday (Nov 18).

Maguire appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court this morning (Nov 19) where he admitted the theft.

The money was stolen whilst parishioners were at a ‘bring and share’ lunch at the Royal British Legion to celebrate Father Harri Williams’ last service before he leaves town.

Father Harri, who was previously a curate in Haverfordwest, moved to Milford Haven in 2013 aged just 27.

He said: ‘’The last six years have been a fantastic time, I’m amazed at what has happened here. Our congregation on a Sunday has nearly doubled, we’ve got children here every Sunday, teenagers in our youth group, lots of young families, it’s really a proper church family.

‘’To see the volume increase in attendance is remarkable. When I first came there were no children, the church was just quiet. And now there’s life here, and it’s brought so much joy to many of the older members of the congregation too, who have found a new lease of life.

‘’We’ve got toddlers walking around and people in their 90’s, that’s how it should be.’’

Within his time he has doubled the congregation figure – which now sits at 120 regular worshipers.

He strengthened his community bond in his influence in the re-opening of the Mount Community Centre early 2018.

“The Mount has been very important to me,’’ he told the Milford Mercury.

“When we think of the significant social and economic problems in our community, providing a centre that people can access, that they can gain skills and build friendships, and have a safe place even, I think is so important.

“Hopefully, we’ve changed people attitude towards the church, and shown that it’s here to serve people.’’

Father Harri Williams confirmed to The Herald that someone had taken the collection from the church and added that he did not want to give a comment on the matter as ‘the gentleman had been arrested and was being dealt with by the police’.

Earlier this year, Sam Maguire and his girlfriend Shannon Saunders were stars of a viral social media video of their complaint to the Job Centre regarding late payment of benefits.

RSPCA investigating after five cats seemingly poisoned

AN RSPCA appeal for information has been launched amid concerns a number of cats have been poisoned near Whitland.

RSPCA officers have been contacted with reports that five cats have died in suspicious circumstances in the vicinity of Whitland and Lampeter Velfrey. The incidents happened on High Street.

Three of the cats were owned by local resident Michelle Davies. All her cats faced similar symptoms – appearing lethargic, and – in some cases – had blood appearing from the mouth.

Ms Davies’ cats died between November 6-9. Freya died first (Nov 6), while the two other owned cats – Sox and Smudge – had to be put to sleep last Friday (Nov 9).

Two feral cats in the area, meanwhile, are also understood to have endured the same fate.

It is unclear whether the incidents were deliberate, or a tragic accident – but RSPCA say for five cats to be impacted is a ‘major cause for concern’.

The RSPCA has now issued a warning to cat owners in the local area to be vigilant, and urged anyone with any information potentially related to these feared poisonings to contact their 24-hour emergency line.

Keith Hogben, RSPCA inspector, said: “Our thoughts are with Michelle, following the loss of these cats in the Whitland area of Pembrokeshire.

“To lose a cat is horrendous, but for three to experience such a horrible fate is unthinkable. Indeed, the number of cats we understand have been poisoned in the area is a major cause for concern.

“We’re urging cat owners in the local community to be vigilant and know the signs of a suspected poisoning.

“Vomiting, a depressed or sleepy demeanour, appearing drunk or uncoordinated, seizures, and breathing difficulties could all be symptoms of a cat being poisoned.

“Anyone fearing their cat may have been poisoned should try and remain calm, move the moggy away from the source and contact a vet immediately.

“Potentially hazardous substances – like antifreeze – should also be used and stored responsibly, and safely away from any curious felines.

“The RSPCA does not know if these suspected poisonings in Whitland were deliberate or a tragic accident – but anyone with information can call our emergency line on 0300 1234 999, 24 hours a day.”

Michelle Davies, the owner of the cats, added: “It is absolutely awful. We saw all of the cats display similar symptoms – becoming very lethargic and unwell so quickly. It was horrible to see – and vets were absolutely sure the cause was antifreeze poisoning.”

Should you wish to help RSPCA Cymru with rescues like this, you can donate online. The RSPCA is a charity and relies on public donations.